Unabia's freebies lift USPF to victory in M. Lhuillier U-21 caging

CEBU - Yves Oliver Unabia cooly sank a pair of pressure-packed free throws in the final 12 seconds of the game to lift the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers to a 73-72 nail-biter over the Ave Maria Sanctuary Pary in the 6th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

It was a heart-breaker for the Ave Maria mainstays of coach Marlon as they led all the way only to be spoiled by Unabia’s endgame heroics.

Ave Maria was on top for the last time at 71-72 as Unabia showed nerves of steel in sinking two free throws to helt USPF snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Yves Oliver, son of Games and Amusements Board (GAB)-7 ringside physician Jose Unabia, finished with 15 points.

Ave Maria had a chance to steal the win, but Abing misfired his attempt at the final buzzer.

Thus, USPF joined its victim at third place in Bracket B with similar 3-2 win-loss records in the tournament organized by M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) executive director and multi-titled coach Eddie B. Ybañez.

In the other game, the Athletes for Christ through Excellent Service (ACES) smothered the University of the Visayas (UV)-Mandaue Academy, 85-68.

UV-Mandaue started the game with a 6-0 bang en route to taking a 19-18 edge at the end of the first period. But that was its only bright moment as the ACES countered with a 28-14 rally in the second canto to post a baker’s dozen lead at halftime, 46-33.

ACES now holds a 2-1 win-loss card, while UV-Mandaue crashed to its fourth straight defeat in as many games.

The scores

First game

ACES (85) - Cabahug 32, Señires 15, Guzon 11, Lacno 9, Milloren 7, Lapiño 6, Po 3, Pinzon 2

UV-Mandaue (68) - Abesia 15, Casinillo 13, Cortes 12, Retubado 10, Romarate 9, Lacaba 4, Cortes 1, Romarate 1

Quarterscores:18-19, 46-33, 68-56, 85-68

Second game

USPF (73) - Daan 18, Maraño 16, Y. Unabia 15, Manzo 12, Cabatingan 6, Misa 4, Unabia 2

Ave Maria SP (72) - Senining 17, Abing 13, Montenegro 11, Heredia 8, Regalado 6, Morales 5, Trillo 4, Pacinto 2, Sayman 2, Semblante 2, Espiritu 2

Quarterscores:15-20, 31-38, 50-51, 73-72 —EBV (THE FREEMAN)